Janet Patricia Niel

Janet Patricia Lyles Niel, 75, passed away on April 14, 2013, surrounded by her loving family, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She was born on December 21, 1937, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She was an amazing mother, wife, grandmother, aunt and friend. Janet was a positive inspiration had an impeccable sense of humor and was a strong mentor and role model. Her friends and family referred to her as Pat. She remained graceful and strong during her struggle. She loved life and always wore a smile.

Janet met her husband, Charles, while she was working at Bell South Telephone Company. They were married nearly 52 wonderful years and loved each other dearly. Janet decided to stay home to devote her time as a wonderful homemaker raising five children. She returned to the workplace at the Calcasieu Parish School Board and retired after 20 years of employment. After her retirement, she enjoyed gardening, crocheting, oil painting, drawing and playing cards.

Janet's biggest love was her family. She leaves behind her husband of 52 years, Charles Niel, Sr., daughters, Patricia Prebula of Sulphur, LA; sons, Charles Niel, Jr. of Lake Charles, LA, and Jim Niel of New Orleans, LA; brother, Ric Olin Lyles and sister-in-law, Diane, of Minneapolis, MN; sisters-in-law Eldene Niel and Christine Crawford of Lake Charles, LA; son-in-law Tony Gilbert; her nine grandchildren, Kelli Katelyn Hemphill, Alexandra Austin Niel , Ashley Gilbert and Payton, Nicole, Brooke Sierra Sauviac; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret Kenny Lyles, her mother and father-in-law, Lena Albert Niel, her daughter, Jeanne Gilbert, her son-in-law, Al Prebula, her brothers-in-law John A. Niel and Pete Crawford.

Visitation for Janet will be on Wednesday, April 17, from 12:30 until 2:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home. Services will be at 2:00 in the chapel at Johnson Funeral Home officiated by Deacon Glenn Viau. Interment will be at Prien Memorial Park under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.